Dr Hana O’Regan is of Kāi Tahu and Pākehā (Irish, Scottish & Welsh) descent. Raised in Wellington, she moved to Te Waipounamu at 21 as a lecturer at Otago University, and after four years there, shifted to Ōtautahi where she resided for 30 years. Hana has worked in the areas of language revitalisation, identity and cultural development, te reo Māori and education and oraka - wellbeing for over 30 years. She is a published author and is recognised internationally for her work in indigenous language acquisition and revitalisation. A graduate of Te Panekiretanga – Institute of Excellence in Te Reo Māori, Hana is respected for her Māori language contribution, skills and advocacy. Hana’s passion for education and community, history and equity has resulted in a career committed to working with organisations, businesses and individuals to support and enhance positive outcomes for whānau. Hana has a long history of governance and has sat on numerous national panels, reviews and advisories across education, health, Māori development and community development and was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2021. She held the position of Tumu Whakarae - CEO of Tātai Aho Rau Core Education from late 2020 - April 2025 and in August took up a role with her hapū in Murihiku, as the CEO of Awarua Whānau Services.